Performance of the season puts the reds into cup final

Report

In their last shot at cup glory, Redolence faced Redditch Cross once more in the semi-final of the Ken Parfitt cup (not sure what Pat Sanders did, but he is no longer trophy name worthy). Redolence’s season thus far had been defined by their cup losses- losing 2 semis already this season, including the season low 5-1 defeat to Redditch Cross. Redemption was sought, but it would not come easy. Scott, desperate to avoid another sluggish performance, made some changes aimed at giving his team a quick start- Jon in goal; Stu Crouch Ant and Max at the back; Woody Jord Luka and Lewis in Midfield and Andy and Ash up front. The aim was simple- get on Cross’s back from the start and give as good as they get.

First half

Redolence started well, pinning Cross back early on with Luka bending wide the first attempt of the game. Both sides strengths are in set plays, and it was no surprise to see both sides looking sharp from long throws and corners- Cross heading wide from their first corner to signal their intent. Cross played with 3 in the middle as usual, but Redolence were organised and that extra man wasn’t apparent. On the break Redolence looked likely to unlock the Cross defence, and their first break down the left saw a sizzling cross from Andy which was nearly diverted into his own net by the Cross left back. 5 minutes later that same player air-shotted a clearance, appearing to put Woody clean through but for a (marginal) offside flag. The general play was scruffy between both sides- Cross were no-where near as fluent as they have been in previous fixtures between the sides, Jord and Luka were doing a great job keeping their 3 CM’s at bay. Across the team the work rate was good- no tackles were being shirked, and that’s what led to Redolence taking the lead. Luka pressured his man into fluffing the ball into the path of Woody, who flicked the ball into the onrushing Luka, who gathered it well before crossing to Andy (at the second attempt) who steered the ball into the top corner at the far post. (GOAL Redolence 1-0. Seager 30 mins. Assist Luka).

The opening goal spurred Redolence on, and they pushed for a second- Ash was put through by a bouncing long ball but could only steer over the bar with the keeper onrushing. Set plays continued to be a threat, with Andy coming close off a corner. Crouchy also went bizarrely close, his clever low free kick narrowly evading both Woody and the Cross keeper before rolling wide at Cross’s far post. Cross weren’t going to lie down and take this, and pushed back well- threatening from a well worked corner technique that narrowly went over. Just before half time their organisation paid off- a well worked free kick was headed back across the Redolence goal where their midfielder met it with a bicycle kick into the Redolence goal. (GOAL Cross 1-1. 40 mins). It was a lapse from Redolence, who were playing well but had to settle for the honours being even at half time

HT: 1-1

A positive display so far, communication and energy levels had been excellent, but the job was far from done. Going down the slope, Redolence needed to be next to score- and they were. 5 minutes into the second half Jonesy, on for Woody at HT, whipped in a trademark corner which was met by Luka’s….’member’….to give him a deserved goal and restore Redolence’s lead. (GOAL Redolence 2-1. Luka 50 mins. Assist Jonesy). At 2-1 Redolence looked far more relaxed, and defensively resolute, Ant and Crouch kept a tight ship at the back and reduced Cross to speculative efforts only. Up top, Tim and Sproz were on and looking keen…Tim supplying a lovely whipped ball into the box that Luka headed wide. Being behind, Cross started to get desperate and the game started to get a lot scrappier- challenges flying in all over the place with fouls being conceded by both sides. Cross’s keeper seemed to be operating as a sweeper/ playmaker, with his low clearances giving Tim / Sproz a couple of opportunities for range goals that were well blocked by the frantic Cross defence. Cross had 1 big chance to equalise- a free kick 25 yards out that cleared the Redolence wall and seemed destined for the bottom corner, but for a fantastic fingertip save from Jon. A massive moment from one keeper led to an equally massive one at the other end. A fluent Redolence attack shortly after led to Tim hitting a hopeful shot from range- it was a harmless shot that bizarrely went through the Cross’s keepers arms and into the net- a momentary lapse in concentration that would prove crucial (GOAL Redolence 3-1. Lees 75 mins. Assist- Cross Keeper!).

At 3-1, Cross went 3-5-2 and went all in to get back in it. Redolence stood up well to the onslaught, Cross struggled to get through with anything worthwhile- all the while Redolence continued to look good on the break, Cross having to rely on some good last ditch tackles to prevent costly breaks. As the time wore on though, these tackles got worse- Woody on the receiving end of 2 stiff tackles that earned Cross 2 needless late bookings. Redolence though hate having it easy, and Cross were to get a goal back- a long throw into a crowded area squeezed through to their forward who nudged home to usher in squeaky bum time. (GOAL Cross 2-3. 85 mins). It was a tense final 5 minutes, but Redolence held their nerve to banish their semi-final hoodoo and get through to their first ever cup final.

FT: 2-3

Verdict

The biggest result in the clubs history, and a real moment of redemption for the lads who’ve suffered heartbreak twice already this season. The good Redolence turned up today- hungry, committed and willing to dig out the result- and the difference from last week was there to see. No-one had a bad game today, and the lads can look forward to the final vs Golden Cross on May 4th- Golden Cross will be favourites, but with Redolence winning the only previous meeting between the sides anything is possible on the night.

FT Redditch Cross 2 - 3 SCC Redolence
85 Redditch Cross 2 - 3 SCC Redolence
75 Redditch Cross 1 - 3 SCC Redolence (Lees, assist Sproston)
50 Redditch Cross 1 - 2 SCC Redolence (Bryan, assist Jeynes)
HT Redditch Cross 1 - 1 SCC Redolence
40 Redditch Cross 1 - 1 SCC Redolence
30 Redditch Cross 0 - 1 SCC Redolence (A.Seager, assist Bryan)
KO Redditch Cross 0 - 0 SCC Redolence